Robert Lewandowski Clears Lionel Messi-Related Misunderstanding; Details Here

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has said Lionel Messi's words regarding the Ballon d'Or award "really touched me".

Messi, who recently won an incredible seventh Ballon d'Or award, acknowledged that Lewandowski was a clear winner in 2020 when the awards were canceled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lewandowski has clarified that he was misinterpreted as questioning Messi's intentions in an interview after the 2021 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony. He said "they weren't empty words" aimed at him.

"Messi's words toward me [about the Ballon d'Or] really touched me. They weren't empty words, it was a nice moment in my career. I only spoke a few words with Leo [one-on-one], because my Spanish is not that good. I spoke with Kylian [Mbappe] in English, he then translated for Leo. It was a great night," Lewandowski said in an interview with German publication Bild, reported Goal.

The 33-year-old Polish forward was once again one of the top candidates to win the award in 2021, but he was beaten by Messi. Lewandowski collected 33 points fewer than Messi, putting him in second place and 120 points ahead of third-placed Jorginho of Chelsea.

In the same interview, when Lewandowski was asked what it would take to win the award that is given by France Football, the Bayern Munich star replied, "It's about little details, everything has to be in place. What I can guarantee is that I'll continue doing my job and bring my best performances."

"I would like to mention Robert Lewandowski, it's been a real honor to compete with you," Messi had said after collecting the 2021 Ballon d'Or trophy.

"Everyone knows and we agree that you were the winner last year. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d'Or - you deserve it and you should have it at home," Messi, who moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021, further added.

Messi has had a slow run in the 2021-22 campaign, having managed only six goals in 15 competitive matches for PSG. Lewandowski has netted 30 goals in 25 matches for Bayern Munich.